Organization Development and Knowledge Management (MS)
Program Summary
100% Online
Credits: 35-38 total
Degree: MS
College/School: Schar School of Policy and Government
Start Date: 8/25/2025
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Program Description
Program Description: The Master's in Organization Development and Knowledge Management MS at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government will prepare you with the skills needed to lead change in complex organizations.
In this cohort-based program, you will be part of a dynamic community of professionals. Explore organizational leadership theory and practice, the shift from hierarchical structures to group-based learning, and best practices to promote the creation of adaptive, collaborative work environments. You will graduate from the organization development master's program with the capacity to manage, evaluate, and affect rapid change in government, corporate, and nonprofit organizations.
Careers
In addition to university-wide resources, the Schar School has a dedicated team of student services and career development advisors to assist you in your academic and professional plans. The Master’s in Organization Development and Knowledge Management program prepares students for a range of industries and roles in the public and private sectors. In a recent graduating class career outcomes survey, approximately two-thirds of Organization Development and Knowledge Management graduates reported working in private sector consulting, and one-third identified as working in federal or local government.
Top employers hiring our ODKM graduates include:
- Accenture
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Deloitte Consulting
- Defense Logistics Agency
- Grant Thornton
- Organization of American States
- Pew Charitable Trusts
- Target Corporation
- The World Bank
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- U.S. Department of Labor
Courses
Program requirements may change; please refer to the Organizational Development and Knowledge Management, MS Program Page in the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.
Details
Who should apply?
The Master of Science in Organization Development and Knowledge Management is an integrated program taught in executive format and designed for professionals who have several years of work experience. Providing conceptual tools and practical guidance to foster organizational change, the program focuses on three related areas: creating and leveraging knowledge through networks of people who communicate and collaborate; understanding and managing change by integrating the diverse roles of people, processes, and technology; and enhancing and facilitating collaboration by building effective relationships in technology-rich environments. A feature of this program is the group-oriented approach to learning supported by the use of web-based collaborative computer technologies. Students develop the competencies to apply these technologies to make organizations more effective.
The cohort usually completes the program on a part-time basis. Full-time study is also possible by arrangement with the program director.
Students work in teams and complete most of the courses in sequence. The second academic year includes an action learning component, in which participants undertake projects in organizations and apply research methods. Overall, the process and methods of evaluation stress the cumulative development of competencies and the capacity to apply the insights gained. Students are expected to have easy access to a computer and the Internet. Minimum computer specifications can be obtained from the program office.
Financial Aid
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Why choose George Mason?
With George Mason University’s prime location in the Washington, D.C. area, Schar School students gain access to leading scholars and practitioners who bring real-world experience to the classroom, providing you with the mentorship and skillsets needed to advance in your career.
The Schar School as a whole has 80+ faculty members, as well as hundreds of adjunct faculty, allowing students to gain access to a variety of perspectives and subjects through elective courses. Notable faculty members in the organization development and knowledge management program include program director Tojo Thatchenkery, Jessica Srikantia, Sheldon Edner, and more.
Ready to Apply?
Application Requirements
- Graduate application and fee
- 750-1,000 word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Current resume
- Unofficial transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the U.S. For international institutions, transcripts may be unofficial but should include cumulative transcripts, degree certificate, individual semester marksheets (if applicable), and diploma (if applicable)
- Two letters of recommendation. At least one recommendation should be from an individual who is qualified to attest to the candidate’s academic potential
- Additional requirements for applicants with international credentials
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact [email protected] or (703) 993-2280.
Scholarship Requirements
The Schar School of Policy and Government awards merit-based scholarships based on an applicant’s academic achievements.
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Contact
Program Contact
Tojo Thatchenkery
Email: [email protected]
Program Website:
Organization Development and Knowledge Management (MS)
School Contact
Schar School Graduate Admissions
Phone: (703) 993-8099
Email: [email protected]
Department Website:
